Sacrifices

Today I parted with one of my best friends in the whole world, my cat Garfield. I don't expect anyone to understand why I got rid of him, but I can tell you I truly feel it was for the best. I feel good about my decision, but it doesn't mean that it was easy by any means.

I titled this post 'sacrifices' because as hard as it was to part with him, I did it for Boston. Not that Boston would have been in any danger with him or anything necessarily, but it was just too hard having the cats and a new baby. They shed, and we didn't have a good spot for the litter box, and where Boston will be crawling soon and is always sucking on his hands, I just felt it was the best thing. That and I was barely giving Garfield and Bella any attention, in fact I would almost get upset at them for making sounds when I finally got Boston to sleep or when they would make a mess, and I already felt I had so much to do, it would make me frustrated. And even though I think Boston would probably have fun with the cats when he's a bit older.. by that time we'll most likely have another new baby, and it will be that way for several years. So for our situation I felt it's best that we just wait to have pets.

I wanted to write a little post about Garfield, because he was such a sweet kitty. He was not just some cat, like I feel most people think of their cats or cats in general. He was a true friend, and we always made him feel like a member of the family. I'm tearing up as I write this, and have almost stopped a few times, but I really think I'll feel better if I jot down a few memories.

The first day I met Garfield I was 12 years old, and one of my neighborhood friends said her cat had just had kittens!! I was ecstatic! I went to see them right away! Garfield immediately caught my attention as he was away from all the other babies. None of them had their eyes opened yet, and weren't really moving, but there he was scooting his fat little body blindly across the floor looking desperately for food. That boy loved food and lived for it from the moment he was born. I somehow ended up talking my parents into us adopting not only one but 2 kittens!!! We took Garfield, and his brother Felix (poor Felix died at only a few years old :(  )

I instantly loved those cats sooo much! They were my "babies". I didn't bond super close to Garfield right from the start though. In fact he made me upset because I cared for him a great deal but he was kind of rebellious, and he would get outside and wouldn't come back sometimes all night. And I would call and call outside for him to come in at night, and he wouldn't come back. My Dad and I even went out with a flash light and couldn't find him, and I would go to bed crying, worrying about him getting in a fight with some animal in the Hollow behind our house. So I thought he was kind of rude and inconsiderate. But after Felix passed away, we became best friends. It's like he knew I needed him, and it was that way ever since.

I would often come home from school or work to find him in my room, on my bed waiting for me. So, I'm sure Garfield could tell story after story about several guys that were jerks, and broke my heart. And he could tell plenty of stories about all the mean girls I dealt with in High school. He also knew every time my parents made me upset. And later on after I married, he was my go to with little things I needed to vent and cry about. He was always there, to offer a furry shoulder to cry on. I'm so grateful he was always there when I needed him. Such a good friend.

He was so sweet to everyone he came in contact with (and he made sure to make contact) whether they wanted to be friends with him or not. :) He would never hurt a flea, and got a long with everyone. Other cats, people. even dogs. Ok, actually I did catch him trying to eat my Beta fish once, but I have every confidence that he was only trying to play with it, and had no ill intention. ;) Because he was so easy to get a long with we decided to get him a little buddy a year and a half ago, little Bella! She was his shadow, and probably annoyed him at times, but they were good friends.

Anyways, I don't need to go on and on. I am just grateful for the time we spent together, and the love and joy he brought to me and my family. I will always remember him. And I truly feel he is meant for his new owner. I really think she needs him now, and will take good care of him. She already texted me and said he slept on the bed all night with her last night and is doing great! :)

Ask anyone that knows me well and they will tell you they can't believe I chose to get rid of my cats. I really thought I'd keep them forever, especially Garfield. It's crazy how things change when you have a baby. Boston is my number one priority now, and I'd do absolutely anything for him. I really feel like there is a season for all things, and my season with cats is over..for now. Now is my season to be the best Mom I can  be! (Not that any of you out there with cats and babies are doing something wrong, it's just my personal preference.)

I love you Garfield. Thanks for all the good times.